It took one wink and a smile for 19-year-old Priya Prakash Varrier to shoot her way into everyone's hearts. But not all hearts are equally warmed by the clip of her song going viral. Some were so disturbed that Priya Varrier is now seeking the Supreme Court's attention to get them off her back.

The short clip from the song Manikya Malaraya Poovi from her debut film Oru Adaar Love is a national sensation, but the fame comes with its package of problems. Priya is already facing more than her fair share.

THE CONTROVERSY

A group of Muslim youths from Hyderabad claimed that the song hurt their religious sentiments. Mumbai-based Islamic seminary Raza Academy claimed the same. Both went ahead and filed complaints with the police.

The Raza Academy also wrote to CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) chief Prasoon Joshi, requesting him to not allow the song in the film.

"We have objections over a few words of this song. The sentiments of our community have been hurt. That is why we have written to the CBFC chief. If the censor board fails to do so (remove the song from the film), we will consult our lawyer," said Kari Abdul Rehman Jiai of Raza Academy.

And so, the Hyderabad and Maharashtra police have to now act against a song in Malayalam that have hurt some people in translation.

Because, when do we NOT get offended?

Priya Varrier and Oru Adaar Love director Omar Lulu have moved Supreme Court, and sent in a strong petition. They have asserted that the complaints filed by the various fringe groups are based on a distorted interpretation of the song in the states of Telangana, Maharashtra and other non-Malayalam-speaking states. They also mentioned that Manikya Malaraya Poovi is a Mappila song, or a traditional Muslim song, from the Malabar region.

Far from insulting Muslim sentiments, the song praises love between the Islam's prophet, Muhammad, and his first wife, Khadija.

The petition reads, "What is hard to fathom is that a song which has been in existence for the past 40 years, which was written, sung and cherished by the Muslim Community in Kerala is now being treated as an insult to the Prophet and his wife. It is submitted that a song, which has existed for more than 40 years and which has been cherished by more than 1 Crore Muslim population of Kerala cannot suddenly offend the religious sentiment of the Muslim Community. (sic)"

So why does Supreme Court have to be moved about a song on love?

WHAT IS MAPPILA PATTU?

Manikya Malaraya Poovi belongs to the genre, Mappila Pattu.

Mappila means Muslim, and Pattu means song. Mappila Pattu is a traditional Muslim song genre from North Kerala. It uses the Mappila dialect of Malayalam, with a mix of Arabic, Persian and Urdu words. The songs from the genre are sung on auspicious occasions and during cultural festivals in schools and colleges across Kerala.

These songs are said to have originated in 1607. The early songs are tributes to famous personalities, and praised religious leaders.

The first song was Muhyudheen Mala, which is a tribute to Muhyudheen Abdul Khadir Al Gilani, a preacher. The first song that praised Prophet Muhammad was written 130 years after this.

Mappila songs became a part of Malayalam films in the 1960s, and many prominent Malayalam singers like KJ Yesudas, S Janaki and P Jayachandran have recreated several songs for their films.

Coming back to Manikya song, which was penned by PM Jabbar in the 1970s. This isn't the first time a Mappila song has been recreated and re-visualised in a modern context. And clearly, there has been no such row and controversy like this earlier.

Jabbar told the Indian Express that he was quite happy with the rendition of the song, and couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

Neither do we, Jabbar.

THE TRANSLATION OF THE SONG

It's crystal clear that Manikya Malaraya Poovi, is about the blossoming love between the Prophet and his first wife, Khadija.

For the uninitiated, here's a brief history of the Prophet and his marriage with Khadija. She was a successful woman, and someone of a sturdy character. She had been married and widowed twice, and had no intention of marrying again. However, the 40-year-old Khadija was attracted to Prophet Muhammad, who was 25, and fell in love with him. They lived in marital bliss for 25 years.

Here's a particular translation of the song that has been doing the rounds. Read, and see if you find something demeaning to the Prophet.

Manikya malaraya pooviMahathiyam ka Khadija BeeviMakkayenna punya natilVilasidumm naari, vilasidumm(A girl like a pearl flowerHer highness Khadija Beevi (The woman who lived like a queen in the holy city of Mecca)Hathi munnabeye vilichuKacha wadathinn ayachuKanda neram khalbinullilMohamoudichu, mohamoudichu(She called khathim a Nabbiyyin Prophet MohammedSent as in-charge of her trade expedition[at] First sight of him, her heart desired him)Kachavaradum khadingaMuthrasululla vannKaliyana alojanaikaayeBeevi thunij, beevi thunij(Blessed Rasoolullah came back after the expeditionTo marry the Prophet was the Beevi's desire)Manikya malaraya pooviMahathiyam ka Khadija BeeviMakkayenna punya natilVilasidumm naari, vilasidumm naari(A girl like a pearl flowerHer highness Khadija BeeviThe woman who lived like a queen in the holy city of Mecca)

What is it that upset people? Was it the use of the word "desire"?

The complaints have come from non-Malayalam speaking areas. Basically people who do not understand Malayalam, have risen up in anger about a Malayalam song, and have chosen to interpret the song in their own way.

Again, how are these words in any way, demeaning Muslim sentiments?

A SONG ABOUT A PERFECT MARRIAGE

There has been chest-beating about the "lyrics being offensive". Author and historian Rana Safvi asserts there is nothing offensive in the song. "I have read the translations. The words aren't offensive. They describe a perfect marriage, and can provide blessings for the newlywed couple," she said, adding, "In Awadh, we have many wedding songs that invoke the blessings of the Prophet and his family."

The song celebrates the life of a queen, a woman who is as precious as a 'pearl flower' - and who supported her husband through thick and thin. It is about the life of a man, whose conduct was called his miracle.

IS OUR FAITH SO WEAK?

This row is strangely reminiscent of the Padmaavat controversy that became a nationwide debate in 2017 and all of January this year. Once again, political and religious sentiments are infiltrating the cinematic realm. And once again, we hear of court cases, legal rounds, and clarifications from filmmakers and actors, who are desperately trying to protect their art from being defiled.

Is faith so weak that a mere song can destroy it?

When will we learn that there is so much in this world that deserves our outrage, and not a mere romantic song?